Something Dad liked to say was “Don’t make excuses; make adjustments.”

Pretty sure he got that second hand, but I always remember him being the one to say that, most often while commenting on his golf game. Just like I am, he was hard on himself and pushed himself to the limit – to always be better.

In this phrase, “Don’t make excuses; make adjustments,” it’s implied that you give yourself the grace enough to admit you’re wrong in some way and to allow correction and new start.

In life, we’re not guaranteed a tomorrow, but when tomorrow does come, it’s a precious gift.

When tomorrow comes, will we be making excuses for the day’s mistakes and circumstances? Or will we be a people reflecting and growing in the grace of the Lord?

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Today marks 3 years since my Dad passed away. I long to feel the peace I felt at his passing because I don’t feel that same peace about him not being here 3 years later. Maybe this is just a phase and a part of my individual grieving process., but put simply, it really sucks.

Dad would tell me to make adjustments and I’ll get through. Easier said than done.

The past few months, maybe a year or more, I think I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been struggling for positivity and encouragement in my personal life. Not sure where or when, but I’ve come to be a bit more excited to just be in the word and learning and growing. I feel inspired again. Even if the inspiration doesn’t last, I hope and pray that I wouldn’t lose the joy that comes from spending time in God’s word and finding what He reveals to me. It’s the adjustments that can turn into consistency that brings success.

If all I had were these positive adjustments in life, I wouldn’t have room for the excuses that would otherwise bubble over.

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I don’t know if the Bible specifically points to excuses and making adjustments, honestly. What comes to mind is our judgement of what we do do, and taking our thoughts captive.

And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgement day for every idle word you speak.

Matthew 12:36

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5

Have you ever thought of an excuse? Whether or not it came out of your mouth or not, it was still possibly the first line of thinking you had on a situation. Sometimes that’s where my thoughts lead.

Where are making excuses originating from? Really, it’s just pride. Pride in ourselves and thinking we’re better than what we really are. I may have more to say on that since I just read some really good stuff by C S Lewis regarding pride.

Obviously, my most obvious excuse is not writing it all down and being too busy reading to do much of anything else. The adjustment? Make time and not read so much. Lol 🙂

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Here’s to praying for the adjustments in your life are fruitful and your excuses are put to rest. ❤️